Overview

This guide covers audio output problems: no sound, low volume, distortion, latency, and device issues. For microphone or input-related problems, see Microphone Troubleshooting.

No Sound / Silent Output

1. Check Physical Connections

   • Verify speakers/headphones are connected
   • Try a different audio port or USB port
   • Test speakers on another device (phone, laptop)
   • Check for visible damage to cables

2. Check Windows Volume Mixer

   Right-click speaker icon → Open Volume mixer

   Look for red "muted" icons or sliders at 0%. If any app shows 0%, raise the volume.

   • Unmute Jyv Desktop if muted
   • Unmute the app producing audio (game, music player, etc.)
   • Check master volume - should not be at 0%

3. Verify Correct Output Device

   Jyv Desktop → Settings → Audio → Output Device

   • Select your speakers/headphones from the dropdown
   • If correct device is selected, try a different device
   • If no devices appear, restart Jyv Desktop

4. Check Per-App Routing

   If using Per-App Volume or Audio Routing:

   • Open Audio Routing panel
   • Verify app output is routed to your speakers (not a different device)
   • Check app volume isn't set to 0%

5. Restart Audio Services

   Jyv Desktop → Settings → Advanced → Restart Audio Engine

   This reloads the audio driver connection.

6. Update Audio Drivers

   Windows 11:

   1. Settings → Device Manager
   2. Expand "Sound, video and game controllers"
   3. Right-click audio device → Update driver
   4. Select "Search automatically for drivers"

7. Perform Full System Restart

   Sometimes Windows audio service gets stuck. Restart your computer completely.

Volume Too Low

1. Check All Volume Controls

   Check these in order:

   1. Windows Master Volume (taskbar speaker icon)
   2. App-Specific Volume (Volume mixer)
   3. Jyv Desktop App Volume (Volume mixer)
   4. Jyv Per-App Volume (if using this feature)
   5. Application's Internal Volume (game/music player settings)
   6. Physical Device Volume (speaker/headphone buttons)

2. Check Audio Enhancements

   Some Windows audio enhancements reduce volume. Disable them:

   1. Right-click speaker icon → Open Volume mixer
   2. Find your audio device → Advanced options
   3. Disable any "enhancements" or "loudness equalization"

3. Enable Volume Boost (if available)

   Some audio devices have volume boost in Windows settings:

   1. Device Manager → Sound, video and game controllers
   2. Right-click audio device → Properties
   3. Advanced tab → Check for "Boost" option

4. Increase Per-App Volume Beyond 100%

   Jyv Desktop allows volume up to 200%:

   • In Per-App Volume, drag slider to 150-200%
   • Careful: can cause distortion at very high levels

5. Check for Ducking

   Windows automatically reduces volume during focus assist. Check Settings → System → Focus assist

Distorted / Crackling Audio

1. Lower Volume

   Distortion is usually caused by audio clipping (volume too loud). Lower volume gradually until distortion stops.

2. Reduce Per-App Volume

   If using Per-App Volume at 150%+ with voice enhancement enabled, distortion may occur:

   • Reduce Per-App Volume to 100% or lower
   • Increase Windows master volume instead
   • Disable voice enhancement if not needed

3. Disable Voice Enhancement

   If voice enhancement causes distortion:

   • Settings → Audio → Voice Enhancement
   • Toggle OFF temporarily to test
   • Try different enhancement modes (Natural vs. Professional)

4. Check for Buffer Issues

   Crackling/popping is often caused by buffer underruns. Increase buffer size:

   • Settings → Advanced → Audio Buffer
   • Increase from current value (try 512 samples if at 256)
   • Higher buffer = less crackling, but slightly higher latency

5. Update Audio Drivers

   Outdated drivers often cause crackling. See "Update Audio Drivers" in No Sound section.

6. Check CPU Usage

   High CPU can cause audio dropouts. See CPU Troubleshooting Guide.

7. Test Different Sample Rates

   Some hardware works better at different sample rates:

   • Settings → Audio → Sample Rate
   • Try 48kHz first (most common)
   • If distorted, try 44.1kHz or 96kHz

Only One Speaker Working

1. Check Hardware

   Test if the issue is hardware or software:

   • Play audio on Windows native player (not through Jyv Desktop)
   • If one speaker is still silent, it's a hardware issue

2. Check Stereo/Mono Settings

   Windows audio system may be in mono mode. Check:

   1. Right-click speaker icon → Open Volume mixer
   2. Click audio device → Properties
   3. Advanced tab → Check channel configuration
   4. Should be "Stereo" not "Mono" or "5.1 Surround"

3. Check Balance Control

   Audio might be panned all the way to one side:

   • Settings → Audio → Balance
   • Should be in the middle (50/50)
   • If not, drag slider to center

4. Check Per-App Routing

   If using Audio Routing, verify app isn't routed to mono output:

   • Audio Routing panel → Select problematic app
   • Check output device supports stereo
   • Try a different output device to test

5. Restart Audio Engine

   Settings → Advanced → Restart Audio Engine

Audio Lag / Latency

Audio lag is when sound is delayed compared to what's happening on screen. This is especially noticeable during gaming, streaming, or video conferencing.

Device Not Detected

1. Check Physical Connection

   • Reconnect audio device (unplug/replug)
   • Try different USB port
   • Verify device powers on (check LED indicators)

2. Check Windows Settings

   Verify device appears in Windows:

   1. Right-click speaker icon → Open Volume mixer
   2. Look for your device in the output list
   3. If not there, restart computer

3. Update/Install Drivers

   Missing or outdated drivers prevent device detection:

   1. Device Manager → Sound, video and game controllers
   2. Right-click device → Update driver
   3. Select "Search automatically for drivers"
   4. If not found, visit manufacturer website for drivers

4. Restart Jyv Desktop

   Close Jyv Desktop completely and reopen. It scans for devices on startup.

5. Disable Other Audio Software

   Some audio software (Dolby Atmos, Realtek audio manager) can interfere:

   • Temporarily disable other audio apps
   • Check if device now appears
   • If so, adjust those app settings to reduce conflict

6. Manually Add Device

   If device still not detected:

   • Jyv Desktop Settings → Audio → Add Device Manually
   • Enter device ID from Device Manager
   • Or try "Scan for New Devices"

Diagnostic Tools